St. Stephen's Cathedral

The 'St. Stephen's Cathedral', is located roughly in the centre of Vienna, Austria. It stands 136 meters tall, amongst its relatively short neighbours. It is one of the most important Gothic buildings in Austria and also plays a key role in spreading Viennese culture. The Cathedral's walls have seen more than eight centuries, and have been able to survive through some rough times as well.

The cathedral is said to have been built in 1137. The structure was initially completed by 1160, but was continuously, majorly, reconstructed and renovated until 1511. The cathedral is built of limestone and expands, 40 meters wide, 107 meters long, and 136 meters high. The building was initially white, however, due to pollution most of its exterior is now dark in colour. The splendid Romanesque architecture of the structure is one of its kind. The 'South Tower', also known as 'Steffl', is the tallest part of this building, which also takes part in Vienna's skyline. It took 65 years to construct this giant tower. It acted as a command post for the defence of the 'Walled City' of that time, during the 'Battle of Vienna'. The 'North Tower' could not be completed and was capped before finishing its complete plan. Therefore, the North Tower stands at roughly half the height of the South Tower.

The roof of the cathedral is elaborately decorated with the help of 230,000 glazed tiles, throughout its 111-meter length. The 'Habsburg Dynasty' ruled their empire from Vienna. And so to symbolize the empire there is a double-headed eagle shown on the roof as well. The cathedral is home to 23 bells. The largest of which is 'Pummerin', which hangs in the North Tower. It weighs 20,103 kilograms, making it the largest bell in Austria, and the second-largest swinging bell in all of Europe. This bell is rung on rare occasions, including the arrival of the New Year.

Salient features of the cathedral which makes it a popular tourist destination include, the tombs, crypts, catacombs, organs, and many others. The eerie underground cemetery can be toured with the help of guides. The guides will show you around the catacombs, and tombs of bishops and royals, and an area of bones which were found while searching the areas underneath the cathedral. 

St. Stephen's Cathedral offers a mix of history, architecture, culture and traditions of ancient Vienna. It is a popular tourist destination in Vienna. And being a functional cathedral it holds immense religious importance as well.